Utah Republican leaders gaveled in the 2025 legislative session aiming to transform Utah into a nuclear powerhouse, make sweeping changes to higher education and overhaul the state’s elections.

Even though election season is over, pressure on Utah election officials isn’t about to let up. In the wake of a contentious election that sowed more scrutiny on voting, Utah lawmakers are gearing up to consider changes to the state’s election system,

With Utah's 2025 legislative session starting, lawmakers are expected to debate immigration, tax cuts, transgender students, university funding, elections and more.

Bill sponsor Sen. Nate Blouin said that unlike previous attempts to repeal the Utah food tax, SB122 isn't tied to other legislation.

“He was always willing to be civil in discussion, and he would get as passionate as anybody else,” Nakamura said. “But then, at the end of the meeting, he would want to go have a beer with somebody, because he always understood that it was the issue; it wasn’t the person.”

Utah Republican policymakers are focused on voter confidence ahead of the 2025 legislative session following an election year that highlighted intraparty division over ballot access and mail-in ballots.

Lawmakers will take up issues like higher education and how to help Trump with his plan to deport migrants in the country illegally who commit crimes.

The Utah County Republican Party’s Central Committee narrowly approved a measure to endorse candidates in municipal elections this year, marking a significant expansion of the party’s involvement in traditionally nonpartisan local races.

SALT LAKE CITY — A new bill seeks to prioritize school safety in Utah. Bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, is no stranger to school safety legislation. Last year, he sponsored the law that required armed guardians at Utah schools. This year, Wilcox is working to improve safety measures in Utah’s schools.

Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore last week introduced a resolution in support of a constitutional amendment designed to restore states' authority to regulate campaign finance laws. The announcement came just days before the anniversary of the infamous Citizens United Supreme Court ruling.

Aside from illegal immigration, Utah House Republicans plan to focus on tech education, taxes, elections and more during the 2025 legislative session.

Several proponents of Utah's dual path to qualify for a party primary discussed potential reforms to the law aimed at limiting the influence of money in campaigns.